CYBER BULLYING: CAUSES, PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT AND REMEDIES

Abstract

Cyberbullying has been analysed as a critical problem amongst youngsters in these years. The article addresses some common issues in cyberbullying. The purpose of the article is to explore the impact of cyberbullying on adolescent health/ We have discussed the definition of cyberbullying and its basic characteristics and how it is different from traditional bullying, the different kinds of cyberbullying and the psychological trauma on the victims. Few reasons of why people bully other are also analysed. This article also reviews various types of cyberbullying. These issues will be discussed from a theoretical point of view with reference to current literature. In finding and conclusion we are going to discuss the importance of preventing cyberbullying and prevention method for helping adolescents to face this problem. This kind of information can be used to increase the knowledge of practitioners, health care givers, educators, and scholars, and subsequently better inform prevention and intervention efforts related to reducing cyberbullying and its associated harm. Introduction The Internet has provided us with infinite additional prospects than ever before. data, education, games, and social interactions is simply accessed at any time or place by merely going online. These prospects are usually considered as advantageous for many people, and allowing them to access data at a way quicker rate than previous generations. However, despite the wide breath of opportunities the internet provides us, there has been concern concerning the potential for abuse (Slonje et al., 2013). Lately, new mean to bother others has occurred with the extensive suitability of on-line socializing and researchers across the world concerning the psychological impact on internet users In the same way traditional bullying (or face-to-face bullying together with physical, verbal and relational bullying), cyberbullying is believed to have bad or negative consequences for the psychological, social and physical health of both the parties involve bullies and victims (Bauman et al., 2013; Tokunaga, 2010). In general, unclear laws and rapid developments in information and communication technology (ICT) devices have let this social risk go widely unnoticed for a long period of time (Stewart and Fritsch, 2011). The word 'cyberbullying' did not even exist a decade ago (Notar et al., 2013) and only recently have studies began to analyse its impact and identify it as a significant social problem. Some literature reviews have emerged that describe the development in terms of its definition, effects, and intervention strategies (Cassidy et al., 2013; von Marées and Petermann, 2012) The standing article speaks on a conversant review of the available literature on cyberbullying, in terms of appropriate features and the psychological influence on young victims. In addition to this we have discussed the already existing technique and prevention strategies currently available and suggest remedies to treat psychological impact as a potentially efficient way to coping with the associated distress.

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Dogo Rangsang Research Journal UGC Care Group I Journal
ISSN : 2347-7180 Vol-11 Issue-05 No. 03 May 2021
Page | 88 Copyright @ 2021 Authors
CYBER BULLYING: CAUSES, PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT AND REMEDIES
Dr.Veto Dey Assistant Professor Department of Management studies,T.John College, Bangalore,
taragem3@gmail.com,8792195459
Dr.Yogita Gupta, Academic Consultant dryogitagupta25@gmail.com 9890665549
Abstract
Cyberbullying has been analysed as a critical problem amongst youngsters in these years. The article
addresses some common issues in cyberbullying. The purpose of the article is to explore the impact
of cyberbullying on adolescent health/ We have discussed the definition of cyberbullying and its
basic characteristics and how it is different from traditional bullying, the different kinds of
cyberbullying and the psychological trauma on the victims. Few reasons of why people bully other
are also analysed. This article also reviews various types of cyberbullying. These issues will be
discussed from a theoretical point of view with reference to current literature. In finding and
conclusion we are going to discuss the importance of preventing cyberbullying and prevention
method for helping adolescents to face this problem. This kind of information can be used to increase
the knowledge of practitioners, health care givers, educators, and scholars, and subsequently better
inform prevention and intervention efforts related to reducing cyberbullying and its associated harm.
Introduction
The Internet has provided us with infinite additional prospects than ever before. data, education,
games, and social interactions is simply accessed at any time or place by merely going online.
These prospects are usually considered as advantageous for many people, and allowing them to
access data at a way quicker rate than previous generations. However, despite the wide breath of
opportunities the internet provides us, there has been concern concerning the potential for abuse
(Slonje et al., 2013). Lately, new mean to bother others has occurred with the
extensive suitability of on-line socializing and researchers across the world concerning the
psychological impact on internet users
In the same way traditional bullying (or face-to-face bullying together with physical, verbal and
relational bullying), cyberbullying is believed to have bad or negative consequences for the
psychological, social and physical health of both the parties involve bullies and victims (Bauman et
al., 2013; Tokunaga, 2010). In general, unclear laws and rapid developments in information and
communication technology (ICT) devices have let this social risk go widely unnoticed for a long
period of time (Stewart and Fritsch, 2011). The word ‘cyberbullying’ did not even exist a decade ago
(Notar et al., 2013) and only recently have studies began to analyse its impact and identify it as a
significant social problem. Some literature reviews have emerged that describe the development in
terms of its definition, effects, and intervention strategies (Cassidy et al., 2013; von Marées and
Petermann, 2012)
The standing article speaks on a conversant review of the available literature on cyberbullying, in
terms of appropriate features and the psychological influence on young victims. In addition to this
we have discussed the already existing technique and prevention strategies currently available and
suggest remedies to treat psychological impact as a potentially efficient way to coping with the
associated distress.
Cyberbullying: Psychological Impact
Adolescents in the all over the world using the Internet not as an additional tool in everyday
communication (cyber utilization) but using it as a “primary and necessary” mode of communication
this paradigm shift from one-to-one interaction to online communication has created a very different
and potentially harmful environment for social relationships, this environment that has recently been
explored in the literature as cyberbullying and Internet harassment. I t has a psychological impact on
victims Although the psychological impact of cyberbullying appear to be very similar to those of

Dogo Rangsang Research Journal UGC Care Group I Journal
ISSN : 2347-7180 Vol-11 Issue-05 No. 03 May 2021
Page | 89 Copyright @ 2021 Authors
traditional bullying, being a victim of cyberbullying has a broader negative influence on adolescents'
psychosocial behaviour than traditional bullying (Mishna et al., 2011; Campbell et al., 2012).
Victims of cyberbullying states more social and emotional problems, such as isolation and emotion
regulation problems, than victims who are being bullied in traditional way (Ak et al., 2015; Elipe et
al., 2015). Research has also thrown light on that cyberbullying has negative consequences for both
the physical health and psychological adjustment of victims (Tsaousis, 2016). Many reports have
been received from young people who reported sleep problem, and bed-wetting than their non-
victimized peers (Monks et al., 2009). Adolescent who are victims of cyberbullying faces risk of
depression, anxiety and abuse (Takizawa et al., 2014; Palermiti et al., 2017). Additionally, some of
other effects are even stronger than what is seen with traditional bullying, as the victim usually
cannot escape the abusive situation. Young victims are nearly twice as likely to think about extreme
steps like suicide than their peers. Many young victims show sign of self-harm such as cutting,
banging their head and even hitting themselves. They are also significantly more inclined to consume
products for relief of their psychological pain. Some of the other symptoms may include
 Feelings of distress about the bullying
 Increased feelings of depression and mood swings
 Increased feelings of anxiety
 Problems dropping numb or remaining numb (e.g., insomnia)
 Suicidal ideation or suicide attempt
 Increased feelings of fearfulness
 Feelings of low self-worth
 Social loneliness, thinning from friend groups, or spending a lot of time alone
 Avoiding doing things that they used to enjoy
 Poor academic performance
 Problems in relationships with family members and friends
 Symptoms of post-traumatic stress
 Self-harm (e.g., cutting, hitting yourself, headbanging)
 Substance abuse
 Increased moods swings like anger, irritability, or angry outbursts
Why people become cyberbully
Cyberbullying is simpler to do than conventional acts of bullying because the perpetrator doesn’t
need to face the victim face to face. It can also be perpetrated anonymously, so victims often don’t
know the identity of perpetrator. Perpetrators get to work outside the view of adults making it harder
for parents to recognized and address it, when the adolescent are being victimized. For victims
themselves, they feel there’s no place to go. As the internet is available all the time. That means the
online abuse is continuous, and may go on. Cyber bullying has the potential to succeed in large
audiences and cause more damage to its victims, especially if it goes viral. Becoming a cyberbully
have very less barrier for their entry. Anyone with access to the Internet can get started. The
numerous psychological effects are often devastating to victims no matter age, and it seems no one
is immune to the kind of trauma it causes. However, because kids and teens are still learning to
regulate their emotions and responses to social interactions, they are particularly vulnerable and
highly at risk. Research shows that the common reason for cyberbullying is the result of damaged
relationships, due to breakups or unresolved conflicts. Certain groups are especially vulnerable and
often targeted.
Remedies
Internet is filled with thousands or more of people who have witnessed the rude form of
cyberbullying. There are different ways to handle it but adolescent do not realize to tackle it. If
adolescent is a victim of cyberbullying take action, talk to victim even if it feels awkward. Approach
the conversation gently, allowing the person to explain the situation in his or her own words. Assure

Dogo Rangsang Research Journal UGC Care Group I Journal
ISSN : 2347-7180 Vol-11 Issue-05 No. 03 May 2021
Page | 90 Copyright @ 2021 Authors
the person that their value as a person has nothing to do with being teased or harassed. Let them
understand them that retaliation or responding to a bully can actually make the situation worse. Make
them understand that everyone has their own belief or views. Encourage them to keep record of all
the incident by saving and taking screen shots of unkind texts, saving emails, photos and other
unwelcome images. Save the web address of the negative messages or the link from where came it
came could be helpful. Immediately report the case of cyberbullying to teachers or even if u suspect
any kind of cyberbully inform adult and administrators at your school and college school. Education
Institute psychologists and school, college counsellors act as agents of social justice in schools to
prevent cyberbullying, particularly among the most vulnerable populations.
In the worst cases, it is better to take the help of law enforcement officials and keep records of any
and all conversations. Most of all assure that young one that bullying in any form is hurtful and
wrong, and that they are never to blame for the immature and cruel behaviour of their peers. When
children and adolescents are asked what they will do if they are cyberbullied, the most of them have
suggested ways of coping has been through different method of protecting themselves technically
from harassment online (Aricak et al., 2008; Smith et al., 2008). There are different technical
solutions that consist of blocking certain people from contacting you online, or the password can be
changed, user can change their names or e-mail addresses and just omitting anonymous text
messages without reading them. Smith et al. (2008) asked respondents to select the best possible
ways to discourage cyberbullying from a list of suggestions produced by focus groups; ‘blocking
messages/identities’ was the option chosen by most respondents. Aricak et al. (2008) also found this
strategy to be very effective on cyberbullying. (Elbedour et al., 2020). Many of the strategy were
discussed by cyber victim which include switching one’s name on online accounts or taking another
phone number (Aricak et al., 2008; Juvoven & Gross, 2008; Smith et al., 2008). Some victims have
selected more straight ways of online coping such as replying them online, telling the bully to stop
(Aricak et al., 2008) or even bullying them back (Dehue, Bollman, & Völlink, 2008). As the
responsibility of adults, they should encourage victims to tell their teacher or parent if they are the
victim of cyberbully. This result in accomplishment of traditional bullying; although many victims
are unwilling to tell adults about their victimization, especially older pupils and boys (Smith & Shu,
2000). Slonje and Smith (2012) found that victim is not willing to tell to be even more marked in
cyberbullying, and in their studied sample not a single cyber victim had said an adult at school about
being targeted. It should be encouraged to share their felling with some adults or with person they are
comfortable.
Conclusion
Cyberbullying has exposed itself as a new-fangled form of bullying within the last decade. It is
become now an international public health concern among adolescents and so it needs continuous
research. Cyberbullying can cause fear, low self-esteem, social isolation, bad academic performance.
It can also cause difficulty in creating healthy relationships and most importantly, victims can
develop severe symptoms of post-traumatic stress, anxiety and depression. Cyber laws are well
drafted and can be utilized at time if awareness is there. There is need for defining and creating
awareness about the prevention methods of cyberbullying through intervention techniques,
cyberbullying therapy and laws. The technology advancement has increased the chances of
cyberllying and it is taking uglier shape so it is need of time to address it soon. It should explore
more in details about the motives of cyberbullying. this will be an important and exciting research
that may help us minimize the abuse of new technologies and ensure that cyberspace is primarily
satisfying place for getting valuable of information.
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